Safety razor

ABSTRACT

A safety razor including a head portion suitable for mounting double edge cutting means and a handle portion in which there is mounted an electric motor, a shaft rotatable by the motor, and a weight eccentrically mounted on the free end of the shaft, rotation of the weight operating to cause vibration of the head portion of the razor. Also mounted in the handle portion are means for adjusting the positions of the cutting edges of a razor blade relative to the razor, and proximate to the adjusting means are means for opening and closing the razor.

United States Patent Douglass et al.

man

[ Mar. 114, R972 [54] SAFETY RAZOR [72] Inventors:

Koehler, Norwell, both of Mass.

Paul W. Douglass, Winchester; Joseph E.

3,466,746 9/1969 Dawidowicz ..30/60.5

Primary Examiner-Andrew R. Juhasz Assistant Examiner-Gary L. Smith [73] Assignee; The Gillette Company, Boston Mass Attorney-Philip Colman, Oistein .l. Bratlie, William M. An-

derson and Scott R. Foster [22] Filed: Mar. 23, 1970 211 App]. No: 21,860 1 ABSTRACT A safety razor including a head portion suitable for mounting [52 US. cl ..30/60.5 30/45 dwble edge cutting means and a handle Portion which [51] "326, 21/32 B26}; 21/18 there is mounted an electric motor, a shaft rotatable by the [58] Field 0! Search i 30/51 58 59 60 motor, and a weight eccentrically mounted on the free end of I60 61 the shaft, rotation of the weight operating to cause vibration of the head portion of the razor. Also mounted in the handle portion are means for adjusting the positions of the cutting edges [56] References cued of a razor blade relative to the razor, and proximate to the ad- UNITED S E PATENTS justing means are means for opening and closing the razor.

3,038,254 6/ 1962 Scheminger ..30/60.5 6 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures Al g Z I 92 J 80 78 G r r 82 2 j 74 v 4 5 76 72 94 66 54 68 96 6O 64 2% 64 50 e 56 58 i s E i1 1 I I 42 44" i t l 10'' ll l l a.

i i 8 I r g l I I I I i if a 26 I 28 1 l I i I i I I l l 1 so PMWYEU AR SHEET 1 UF 3 INVIINI'OIQS PAUL W DOUGLASS JOSEPH E. KOEHLER ATIORNIZY PATENTEDMAR 14 1972 3, 648 868 sum 3 OF 3 I NV! NI )R.%' W. DOUGLASS JOSEPH E. KOEHLER A'Vl'ORNI Y PAUL WE IHIW 4 SAFETY nAzon BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1 Field of the Invention This invention relates to safety razors and is directed more particularly to a double edge safety razor having means for vibrating the head portion thereof, means for adjusting the position of cutting edges relative to the razor, and opening and closing means proximate to the adjusting means.

2. Description of the Prior Art In the use of safety razors, it has been found to be advantageous for the razor blade to be moved generally lengthwise, or in directions having vectors lengthwise of its edge whereby to exercise a slicing motion. Several devices have been provided which include means for moving a razor blade longitudinally within a razor, or for moving razor guard members relative to a stationary blade. Such razors have proven to be rather complex in construction and operation and generally expensive to manufacture. Accordingly, public acceptance of the prior art devices has been relatively limited.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a safety razor suitable for a double edge blade and having relatively simple and inexpensive means for causing the razor blade to exercise a slicing motion while the razor is in use.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such razor with means for adjusting the disposition of the razor blade cutting edges relative to the razor.

It is a still further object to provide such razor having opening and closing means disposed proximate to the blade adjusting means, whereby to facilitate opening and closing of the razor, as well as blade adjustment, with a single hand of an operator holding the razor.

With the above and other objects in view, as will hereinafter appear, a feature of the present invention is the provision of a safety razor comprising a head portion adapted for double edge cutting me ans mounted therein, and a handle portion having an electric motor mounted therein. A rotatable shaft is connected to the motor and extends therefrom. A weight is eccentrically mounted on the free end of the shaft and is rotatable by the shaft, the weight being disposed proximate to the head portion of the razor, whereby upon rotation of the shaft and weight, the head portion is caused to vibrate and effect a slicing motion of the cutting means.

A further feature of the present invention is the provision in the handle portion of the razor of means for adjusting the position of the razor cutting edges relative to the razor.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision in the handle portion, and proximate to the blade adjusting means, of razor opening and closing means.

The above and other features of the invention, including various novel details of construction and combinations of parts, will now be more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings and pointed out in the claims. It will be understood that the particular device embodying the invention is shown by way of illustration only and not as a limitation of the invention. The principles and features of this invention may be employed in various and numerous embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which there is shown an illustrative embodiment of the invention from which its novel features and advantages will be apparent.

FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of one form of razor illustrative of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, partly broken away and partly in section;

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view, partly broken away and partly in section;

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the electrical circuit of the razor;

FIGS. 6 and 6 are enlarged detailed sectional views of the head portion of the razor, illustrating in particular the operation of the opening and closing means;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are similar to FIGS. 5 and 6 but illustrate in particular the operation of the blade adjustment means.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the illustrative device includes a head portion 2 in which is disposed a double edge razor blade means 4, connected to one end of a tubular handle member 6 which houses: a vibration-inducing means to be described below.

Disposed in the handle member 6 is a battery 8 (see also FIG. I) and an electric motor R0. Extending from the motor 10 in the direction of the head portion 2 of the razor is a rotatable shaft 12 on the free end of which is disposed as weight M. The weight 1141 is mounted eccentrically on the shaft so that the center of gravity of the weight is removed from the axis of rotation of the weight. Illustrated in the drawings is a flywheel type weight, mounted such that its center of gravity is removed from the axis of rotation of the shaft 12. Also disposed in the handle member 6, but separated from the battery 8 by a wall 116 is a switch means 18. In the wall 16 are mounted three electrically conductive eyelets 20, 22, and 24. An electrical lead 26 connects the eyelet 26 with the battery 8 and the motor 10 (see also FIG. 4). The lead 26 includes a diode 28 which prevents reverse current flow through the switch 18. An electrical lead 30 connects the eyelet 22 with the battery 8. An electrical lead 32 connects the eyelet 24 with the motor 110.

The switch 18 includes a secondary coil 34 (FIG. 41) which is connected to a pair of contact plates 36a, 36b (FIGS. I and 4). The switch I8 is mounted for rotative motion and may be rotated by movement of a tab 38, as by a thumb or finger of an operator. Rotation of the switch 18 causes movement of the contact 36a relative to the eyelets 22 and 24, the contact 36b moving relative to the eyelet 20 but nevertheless maintaining engagement with the eyelet 20.

A primary coil 40 (FIG. 4) may be disposed in a base or stand member (not shown) for the purposes of inducing a current in the secondary coil 34 for purposes to be described below.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, it will be seen that a frame member 42 is received by the handle member 6, which frame member in turn receives the motor 10, the weight 112, the battery 8 and the electrical leads 26, 30, 32. The frame member 42 also receives a wedge member M (FIGS. l and 3) which operates to press the motor 10 finnly against an opposing wall of the frame member 42 whereby to prevent undesired movement of the motor within the handle member 6.

In operation, the razor is removed from its stand and tee tab 38 moved by an operator to rotate switch 118, and thereby the contact 36a to a first position in which the contact 36a engages the eyelets 22 and 241. In this position, electrical energy from the battery 8 is directed to the mot-or lltl. Energization of the motor 10 causes rotation of the shaft 12 and thereby rotation of the eccentrically mounted or unbalanced weight M. The eccentricity of the weight mounting i.e., the displacement of the center of gravity of the weight from the axis of rotation of the weight, and the disposition of the weight proximate to the head portion 2 induces vibration of the head portion 2 and therefore the blade 4. Such vibration imparts a slicing motion to the blade 4 whereby to facilitate ease of cutting.

It is to be understood that in describing the movement of the head the term vibration is intended in a broad or general sense, including a rapid movement in various directions, as for example a gyratory motion or other such motions which may not be included in some technical or restrictive interpretations of the term vibration.

After completion of a shaving operation, the tab 38 is switched to a second position in which the contact 36a engages the eyelet 22 only. Such arrangement interrupts the circuit of the motor 10, but inasmuch as the contact 36b continues engagement with the eyelet 20, operates to maintain a circuit interconnecting the secondary coil 34 and the battery 8. The switch 18, and thereby the secondary coil 34, is then placed in the magnetic field of the primary coil 40 whereby to charge the battery 8.

In addition to the vibratory facility, the razor of the present invention is provided with means for adjusting the position of the razor blade 4 in the head portion 2 of the razor.

Referring again to FIGS. 2 and 3, it will be seen that the head portion is connected to one end of the handle member 6. A neck portion 50 is attached to the handle member 6 or may be an integral extension thereof and includes opposed windows 52, 54. A pair of pins 56 (see also FIG. 1) disposed in the neck portion 50 engages a spindle 58 which has a cut-away portion 60 adapted to receive a threaded insert 62. Received by the neck member 50 is a nut 64 having internal threads engaged with the external threads of the insert 62, whereby upon rotation of the nut 64 the insert 62 is caused to move axially of the razor. A retainer ring 66 is slidably disposed in an annular groove 68 in the spindle 58 and is urged into engagement with an inwardly directed shoulder portion 70 (FIG. 1) of the nut 64 by a coil spring 72 disposed about tee spindle 58 and between the ring 66 and a flange 74 disposed on one end of the spindle.

Fixed to the spindle 58 is an externally threaded sleeve 76 and fixed to the interior of the sleeve 76 is a guard member sleeve 78 supporting at its free end a razor guard member 80 (FIG. 2). Received by the neck member 50 and threadedly engaged with the externally threaded sleeve 76 is a rotatable internally threaded sleeve 82. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the sleeve 82 is provided with a pair of lugs 84 to facilitate manual rotation thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the guard member 80 has slots 86 therein which receive spaced upright arm portions 88 of a platform 90. The rotatable sleeve 82 abuts at one end the platform 90 and upon rotation of the sleeve 82 causes movement of the platform, as will be fully described herein below. The platform 90 is provided with end members 92 which receive the guard member 80 therebetween.

A rod 94 (FIGS. 2 and 3) is received by the guard member sleeve 78, the externally threaded sleeve 76, the nut 64 and the spindle 58. The rod 94 includes a portion of reduced diameter 96 (FIGS. 1 and 3) which receives the threaded insert 62. Thus, axial movement of the insert 62 causes axial movement of the rod 94, as will be further described below.

To the free end of the rod 94 there is fixed a central bar 98 which receives the razor blade 4. On either end of the bar 98 there are disposed arms 100 extending transversely of the bar 98, the free ends of the arms 100 being pivotally connected to a pair of cap sections 102. Referring now to FIGS. and 6, there will be discussed the operation of the above described mechanism for the purpose of opening the razor head to permit changing of razor blades. FIG 5 shows the cap sections 102 in the closed position retaining a razor blade 4 upon the central bar 98 and clamped between the cap sections 102 and the arm portions 88 of the platform 90. In order to open the cap sections 102, an operator engages the exterior of the nut 64, which is readily accessible through the windows 52, 54 in the neck member 50, and rotates the nut 64. Such rotation of the nut 64 initially causes axial movement of the nut in a direction downwardly, or forward the handle portion 6 of the razor. Such movement is facilitated by an annular groove 108 which receives one end of the nut 64. Downward movement of the nut 64 causes downward movement of the shoulder 70, permitting downward movement of the retainer ring 66 in the groove 68, the ring 66 being urged downward by pressure of the spring 72. Continued rotation of the nut 64 causes axial movement of the insert 62 in a direction toward the head 2 of the razor. In FIG. 6 the insert 62 is shown having travelled to its limit in the direction of the head 2. As the insert moves it carries with it the rod 94 which is slidingly disposed in the sleeves 76, 78. Such movement of the rod 94 causes like movement of the bar 98 fixed to the rod 94. Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the top sections 102 are provided with lugs 104 which are engageable with extension 106 of the guard member 80. Returning to FIG. 6, as the bar 98 and therefore the arms 100, are caused to move upwardly, as viewed in the drawings, the lugs 104 are carried upwardly until they engage the guard member 80, which remains stationary. Engagement of the lugs 104 with the guard member 80, with further upward travel of the anns 100, causes the cap sections to pivot to the open position, as shown in FIG. 6. Counterrotation of the nut 64 causes downward movement of the insert 62 carrying downwardly the rod 94, until the insert 62 reaches its lowermost position. Further rotation of the nut 64 operates to move the nut axially upwardly, forcing the ring 66 upwardly against spring pressure until the insert 62 is engaged by an inner projection 67 of the nut 64. Downward travel of the rod 94 operates to close the cap sections, as shown in FIG. 5. Thus, the razor may be held in one hand and the cap opening and closing operation accomplished by movement of the fingers of that hand, leaving a second hand free for installation of a new razor blade.

Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, there will now be described the operation of the mechanism for varying the exposure of the razor blade relative to the razor. The sleeve 82 includes the lugs 84 (FIG. 3), readily engageable by an operator for manual rotation of the sleeve 82. Such rotation causes the sleeve 82 to move axially upwardly. Inasmuch as the sleeve 82 abuts the platform 90, upward movement of the sleeve causes upward movement of the platform 90, including the arm portions 88 hearing against the blade 4. Movement of the arm portions 88 causes upward movement of the cap sections 102 and thereby upward movement of the rod 94. As the rod 94 moves axially upwardly, it carries with it the insert 62 which is threadedly engaged with the nut 64. Accordingly, the nut 64 is urged upwardly against the pressure of the spring 72. Thus, by rotating the sleeve 82 the exposure of the blade 4 is variable from substantially as illustrated in FIG. 7 to substantially as illustrated in FIG. 8. The sleeve 82 is disposed adjacent the nut 64 whereby to facilitate blade adjustment in much the same manner, from the operators viewpoint, as opening and closing of the razor. Thus, opening and closing and blade adjustment can be accomplished with one hand, the same hand as is holding the razor.

Referring again to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the frame member 42 is particularly configured to receive and retain the various components. A cylindrically shaped portion 110 receives the switch means 18. A pair of opposed wing portions 112 provided with curved recesses 114 receive the battery 8 therebetween aNd act as leaf springs to retain the battery firmly in place. A pair of rails 115 projecting inwardly from the interior wall of the handle member 6 engage free ends of the wing portions 112 to force the wing portions toward each other, whereby to clamp the battery 8 therebetween. A pair of opposed walls 116, a platform 118 and a pair of runners 120 cooperate to receive the motor 10, the shaft 12, the weight 14, and the wedge member 44, the latter serving to press the motor 10 against the opposing wall and downwardly against the runners 120. The neck portion 50, which may be an integral or fixed-on extension of the frame members 42, includes the annular groove 108 as well as a cylindrically shaped portion 122 which cooperate to receive the nut 64. Thus, the frame member 42 is specially configured to retain the operating components securely in place whereby to prevent undesirable movement of components, as might otherwise be caused by long periods of vibration.

It is to be understood that the present invention is by no means limited to the particular construction herein disclosed and/or shown in the drawings, but also comprises any modifications or equivalents within the scope of the disclosure.

Having thus described out invention, what we claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, rotatable sleeve means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, and rotatable nut means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said rotatable sleeve for moving said cap means for opening and closing said razor.

2. The invention according to claim ll wherein said rotatable nut means is accessible to an operator by way of aperture means in the handle portion.

3. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said rotatable nut is operable to axially move a rod located centrally of the nut, and said cap means are movable responsive to the axial movement of said rod to open and close relative to each other.

4. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, and means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for opening and closing said razor, said opening and closing means comprising a rotatable nut operable axially to move a rod located centrally of the nut, said cap means being movable responsive to the axial movement of said rod to open and close relative to each other, and spring means disposed in said handle and biasing said nut, whereby movement of said nut to close said cap means is yieldingly opposed by force of said spring means.

5. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, said platform position adjusting means comprising a rotatable sleeve operable to move said platform means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for opening and closing said razor, a rod located centrally of said handle portion and connected to said cap means, said rod being connected to said opening and closing means, and spring means disposed in said handle and yieldingly opposing movement in one direction of said opening and closing means, whereby to yieldingly oppose closing of said cap means.

6. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for moving said cap means for opening and closing said razor, and single spring means disposed in said handle portion for yieldingly opposing operation of said adjusting means and said opening and closing means. 

1. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, rotatable sleeve means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, and rotatable nut means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said rotatable sleeve for moving said cap means for opening and closing said razor.
 2. The invention aCcording to claim 1 wherein said rotatable nut means is accessible to an operator by way of aperture means in the handle portion.
 3. The invention according to claim 2 wherein said rotatable nut is operable to axially move a rod located centrally of the nut, and said cap means are movable responsive to the axial movement of said rod to open and close relative to each other.
 4. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, and means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for opening and closing said razor, said opening and closing means comprising a rotatable nut operable axially to move a rod located centrally of the nut, said cap means being movable responsive to the axial movement of said rod to open and close relative to each other, and spring means disposed in said handle and biasing said nut, whereby movement of said nut to close said cap means is yieldingly opposed by force of said spring means.
 5. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, said platform position adjusting means comprising a rotatable sleeve operable to move said platform means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for opening and closing said razor, a rod located centrally of said handle portion and connected to said cap means, said rod being connected to said opening and closing means, and spring means disposed in said handle and yieldingly opposing movement in one direction of said opening and closing means, whereby to yieldingly oppose closing of said cap means.
 6. A razor comprising a head portion, guard means disposed in said head portion, platform means disposed in said head portion for supporting razor blade means thereon, a handle portion connected at one end to said head portion, means disposed on said handle portion and substantially adjacent said head portion for adjusting the position of said platform means and thereby a blade means supported thereon relative to said guard means, cap means adapted to substantially cover said platform means, means associated with said handle portion and proximate to said adjusting means for moving said cap means for opening and closing said razor, and single spring means disposed in said handle portion for yieldingly opposing operation of said adjusting means and said opening and closing means. 